Family of Pennsylvania woman killed by drunk driver to receive $2 million settlement

By Jim Greene

Published on January 06, 2006

Dena Finnerty, 25, of Hughestown, was killed April 9 of last year when her vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Richard Zuba, 50, of Dallas, and propelled into a rock embankment. Amy Soska, also of Hughestown, a passenger in Finnerty's vehicle, was injured in the crash, and will receive $400,000.

State police said Zuba was driving over 90 mph and had a blood alcohol level of 0.16 percent, twice the state's legal limit. Zuba was charged with homicide by motor vehicle while driving under the influence. According to court papers filed later, Finnerty's blood alcohol level was 0.226 percent, but a crash reconstruction expert said her condition did not contribute to the crash.

Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr this week approved a settlement plan totaling $3,350,000 to be paid by Allstate Insurance, the maximum amount under Zuba's policy.

The law firm of Hourigan, Kluger, and Quinn, will receive $850,000, and three other people involved in the crash will each receive $5,000.

Attorney Joseph Quinn, Jr., said his firm is considering filing suit against one or more of the bars at which they allege Zuba was served alcohol while obviously intoxicate.

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